Did You Know: Statutory Rape is not a Legal Term in Virginia

Did You Know: Statutory Rape is not a Legal Term in VirginiaSwango Law P.C2011-12-07T05:33:01+00:00

Statutory rape is a crime that involves sexual relations with a person under an age defined by law. This means that even though force is not used, the law still punishes the older participant because of the gap in mental maturity. There may also be a variance in physical maturity, but most controversial statutory rape cases are controversial due to a real relationship that exists. As a result, these cases can be difficult from an emotional standpoint for everyone involved.

In the criminal justice system, sometimes cases are decide based on what isn’t said. In these unfortunate situations, a defendant may be ashamed or embarrassed to be open and honest to his or her attorney. Your local Virginia Beach Criminal Lawyer is a professional who practices law because he wants to help people like you. Regardless of the charge, your local Virginia Beach Criminal Lawyer will not judge you. Instead, you can expect an excellent legal mind, which is focused on the best defense strategies for your case.

In Virginia, did you know that the term “statutory rape” is not a technically correct legal term? VAHealth.org summarizes the two statutes which cover the crime. First, it is a class 4 felony (punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine) for a man or woman who is 18 or older to have sex with a 13 or 14 year old child. Second, a person 18 or over is guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor (punishable by a year in jail or a $2,500 fine) for having sexual relations with a person 15 through 17. Too often, defendants do not take their right to a lawyer seriously. Having a lawyer at your side during legal proceedings enables you to enhance your in-court image. It shows the judge and the State that you take your case seriously. If you wish to ensure that the prosecution meets its burden every time, contact your local Virginia Beach Criminal Lawyer today.

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There are many things that may go wrong in a person’s life, some of which involve the criminal justice system while others relate to dealing with the devastating consequences of serious injuries caused by another person’s negligence.